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Shearman to shake up City management regime

Author: georgina.stanley@legalweek.com

Published: 27/09/2007 02:40

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Shearman & Sterling’s London arm is debating the future of its management, with high-profile office managing partner Kenneth MacRitchie set to share some of his responsibilities with other partners.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the London partners earlier this month (10 September) and MacRitchie will now lead a process to consider giving some management responsibilities — such as marketing, education and training — to others.

It is thought that real estate partner Ian Nisse is one of those in line for additional responsibility.

MacRitchie has been head of Shearman’s highly rated City arm for five years, but is also involved in firmwide management as part of the firm’s executive committee. He also continues to practise as a projects partner.

It is thought his additional roles are partly responsible for the current talks as some partners feel MacRitchie does not have enough time to devote to managing the City office.

Late last year the firm made competition consultant Chris Bright deputy head of London to try to split the management burden, but partners now want to go further to ensure nothing is overlooked.

One Shearman partner told Legal Week: “With less management [at a US firm], people can think the office is not as well managed as it might be; it is a question of getting the balance right.

“We are thinking about how to spread the load, with others taking on some responsibilities, without bringing in a formal management structure.”

Does MacRitchie need a helping hand? Have your say on the Legal Week Wiki.

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